Spanish consumer co-operative, Eroski, wins major international awards
Eroski has been recognised as the large-scale retailing company with the best customer service for the third year running. The co-operative collected the ‘Chosen Customer Service of the Year’ award at the Cibele Palace in Madrid. Consumers themselves took part in choosing the organisations with the best quality of customer service, by sectors of activity. The contest is highly regarded throughout Europe and was started up in France eight years ago. Josu Madariaga, Head of Customer Service at Eroski said: “it’s really significant that we’ve received this award for the third year running because it acknowledges the constant work we’ve done to improve our customer service as one of the core values in our move into the new ‘with you’ trading model that we’re currently engaged in.”
Earlier this month, Eroski also won two prizes at the 2014 Pentawards: the first and only international contest devoted exclusively to packaging design. Eroski won in the category for own-brand design and its children’s cereal was picked out for a silver medal in the Food-Distributors/Retailers category. Martin Gandiage, Eroski’s Marketing Manager, said: “The award recognises Eroski for providing the fullest information through clear and direct packaging, easily understood by the consumer to facilitate more responsible shopping, by applying the criteria of health eating and environmental sustainability.”
Coop Obrera reaches 94 years of service!
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Argentinian Coop Obrera has recently celebrated its 94th year of uninterrupted activity. To mark the occasion, several activities took place up and down the country. In Pehuajó, a city in the Buenos Aires province, the second Coop Obrera shop held its grand opening. In Bahia Blanca, the Inter-cooperative Regional Association unveiled its new cenotaph which will enable local co-operatives to have a special place to remember their deceased leaders and partners. The main event was held in Buenos Aires itself where leaders, retirees and former employees joined together in a large celebration to honour Coop Obrera and those employees who have completed 25 years of service.
CCW’s US member increases ranking in 2014 top purchasing co-ops
Consumer Co-operative Worldwide’s (CCW) US member, the National Co-operative Grocers Association (NCGA), has increased its ranking among the 2014 top purchasing co-ops in the US. With revenue that totaled more than $1.2 billion in 2013, NCGA is now ranked at number seven. The pioneers of natural and organic foods, NCGA’s member retail food co-ops are deeply committed to providing high quality, healthy food; supporting local, sustainable agriculture; and strengthening their communities. “We are honoured to be included among the 2014 top purchasing cooperatives,” said Robynn Shrader, chief executive officer for NCGA. “The growth of NCGA and co-ops across the country demonstrates the power that comes from working together to optimize our resources and ultimately offer more value to our customers and owners. We truly are stronger together.”
Photo: Josu Madariaga, head of customer service at Eroski (c) Eroski
